OL successfully entered the competition by dominating Olympiakos

After two and a half years in the shadow of European competitions, Olympique Lyonnais made a winning return on Thursday September 26. Pierre Sage’s players began their Europa League campaign with a deserved success against Olympiakos at home (2-0). If it was necessary to go beyond the hour of play to see them finally realize their domination, there will be no other feeling than satisfaction among the Gones, far from being to their advantage since the start of the season.

The disappointment and embarrassment of the defeat against rival Marseille four days earlier (2-3) was enough to push the team into a new crisis. But Lyon reacted well on Thursday evening, like Rayan Cherki’s performance. Established for the first time this season, the inconsistent Lyon nugget is the one who broke the deadlock. Found in a well-guarded penalty area, the latter turned around before sending a powerful right-footed shot under the bar to open the scoring in the 65th minute.

Scorer on Sunday against OM, bringing his team back to the level in added time, his joy was very short-lived. This time, OL did not give in. There was indeed a scare with an acrobatic return which almost lobbed Lucas Perri (70th). The Lyonnais did not even have time to think since they took cover at the end of the following action, with the 2-0 goal signed Saïd Benrahma, well served by another player who had just entering the game, rookie Wilfried Zaha (71st).

Olympiakos thought they were within one goal just before the end of normal time, but the VAR decided to cancel the own goal by Duje Caleta Car, who was unfortunate in his attempt to head a cross diving from Willian (88th). By winning 2-0, OL got off to a perfect start to their C3 campaign and took a breather by signing only their second victory of the season. In a week, it is against Glasgow Rangers that Les Gones will try to add three new points to their nest egg.